Final answer:
Tyramine-rich foods can cause severe hypertension in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), as these drugs inhibit the breakdown of tyramine and can lead to a hypertensive crisis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tyramine-rich foods may cause severe hypertension (HTN) in patients who take monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). MAOIs prevent the breakdown of tyramine, and if consumed in large amounts through diet, this can lead to an excessive accumulation of tyramine, which can cause a hypertensive crisis - a severe increase in blood pressure that can be life-threatening. This is due to the fact that tyramine can trigger the release of noradrenaline (norepinephrine), a neurotransmitter that can significantly increase blood pressure. Patients on MAOIs are generally advised to avoid tyramine-rich foods such as aged cheeses, fermented foods, cured meats, and some alcoholic beverages to prevent this dangerous interaction.